A group focused on decreasing the number of animals killed in a local shelter is asking for donations.

Money and supplies will help struggling pet owners hold onto their animals rather then hand them over to the shelter, according to organizers.

“Our goal is to help pet owners before they find themselves at Lincoln County Animals Services surrendering their pets because they see no other choice,” states Jena Healy, president of Helping Animals To Survive.

It’s all part of the plan to significantly cut down the number of cats and dogs euthanized at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, said Healy.

“Our pet retention program is a key component of our goal to reduce the intake of animals at Lincoln County Animal Services to reach the no-kill goal of saving 90 percent or more.”

Healy is part of a group that started under the name of Make Lincoln County No Kill.

The animal activists unified to support a national initiative on a local level. They aimed to significantly decrease the number of animals killed by lethal injection in Lincoln County.

In November, County Commissioners voted in favor of the program.

To implement the program, the No Kill group applied for nonprofit status. Once achieving that goal, the name was changed to Helping Animals To Survive, or HATS.

Plan of attack

Last year, more than half of the animals brought into the Lincoln County Shelter were euthanized. That’s more than 2,000 animals put down by lethal injection.

Teams of volunteers have been assembled to put the plan into action, said Karen Banker, HATS member.

To cut the number of animals coming into the shelter, a trap, neuter and release program for feral cats will be put in place. Low-cost spay and neuter clinics will be set up, and programs will focus on pet retention and owner reclaiming. The effort will also focus on finding more funding through donations, grants, sponsorships and fundraising events.

Definition of no-kill

Shelters must have a save rate of 90 percent or higher to be considered “no-kill,” according to Nathan Winograd, director of the No-Kill Advocacy Center, a national organization that encourages and recognizes no-kill communities.

Achieving 100 percent is virtually impossible because some animals come in hopelessly injured or vicious, he said.

Lincoln County is the second in the state to adopt the no-kill philosophy. The first was Polk County which is run by the Foothills Humane Society.

Getting started

This month the group is hosting a pet retention donation drive.

The donations will hopefully provide a good base for the next step in the process, according to Healy.

“At this time, we are focused on building an inventory of needed items and raising funds,” she said. “As soon as we have a healthy amount of items and funds, we will begin reaching out to pet owners who are facing difficult decisions on keeping their pets.”

Page 2 of 2 - You can reach Diane Turbyfill at 704-869-1817 and twitter.com/GazetteDiane.

List of needs

Dog and cat food (dry and wet)

Bedding

Leashes and collars Dog crates (all sizes)

Dog sweaters and vests

Car pads/liners

Puppy pads

Cat litter

Litter box (not used)

Scratching posts

Cat carriers

Brushes (for long haired animals)

Nail clippers

Treats and toys

Monetary donations can be made through the website, www.HATSALIVE.org, or mailed to PO Box 243, Denver, NC 28037.

Pet owners in need of assistance can email info@makelincolncountynokill.org to be considered for the program once operational.